What happened
Following takeoff, the pilot reported that the left engine began running roughly and experienced a backfire. In response to this mechanical issue, the crew shut down the left engine and feathered the propeller. The decision was made to return to the departure runway to perform an emergency landing.
During the approach, observers noted the aircraft on its downwind leg at an altitude between 8/00 and 1,000 feet with the landing gear deployed. As the flight transitioned from the downwind leg to the base leg, the aircraft experienced a sharp yaw to the left and a significant drop in the left wing, followed by a rapid loss of altitude.
As the pilot attempted to maneuver from the base leg to the final approach leg at an altitude of approximately 75 to 100 feet, the aircraft began buffeting and entered a stall. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot performed a crash landing in an empty lot. There were no reported fatalities or injuries in this incident.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the left engine were conducted to determine the origin of the initial engine roughness. The examination found no evidence of any malfunction or failure occurring prior to the accident.